Hold the throne

Scotland must wait, at least a wee bit longer, for its next king, writes Jamie Sokolowski from ringside

GLASGOW

OCTOBER 4

★★★★★ WHOLE SHOW

★★★★★ ATMOSPHERE

IN A SHOW billed as The Next King Of Scotland, Nathaniel Collins’ coronation was delayed as he drew with Spain’s Cristobal Lorente in their European featherweight title fight.

Glasgow’s Collins (17-0-1, 8 KOs, 125lbs 1oz) started sprightly and banked the early rounds. The hometown southpaw edged menacingly towards the Spaniard, inviting jabs and replying with crisp three-and four-punch combinations. Lorente (20-0-3, 8 KOs, 125lbs 1oz) looked daunted by Collins’ intensity.

But the defending champion showed improvement in the fourth round, firing back with more spiteful shots, and made a strong argument to win the fifth with his renewed energy.

The Scotsman marched towards Lorente with intent at the start of the sixth, unloading powerful combinations that wobbled the Spaniard. Collins was confident of getting the stoppage and launched waves of vicious attacks.

This was to his detriment, however, as Lorente proved immovable and replied with impressive shots under pressure.

The Braehead Arena, with its steep, tightly packed stands, provided the ideal bearpit as both men traded for the entirety of the memorable three minutes. Collins’ usually dependable engine appeared drained after his pursuit of the knockout. The dynamic of the fight shifted, and rounds seven to 10 proved highly competitive.